Panel of Eminent Persons on United Nations-Civil Society Relations

Terms of Reference

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The High-level Panel will undertake an assessment of relations between the United Nations and civil society with the objective of formulating recommendations to the Secretary-General for enhancing interaction between the Organization and civil society, including parliamentarians and the private sector.

The panel will:

  1. Review existing guidelines, decisions and practices regarding civil society organizations’ access to and participation in United Nations deliberations and processes.
  2. Identify best practices in the United Nations system and in other international organizations with a view to identifying new and better ways of interaction with NGOs and other civil society organizations.
  3. Examine the ways in which participation of civil society actors from developing countries can be facilitated.
  4. Review how the Secretariat is organized to facilitate, manage, share experiences and evaluate the United Nations relationships with civil society.

The panel will consult broadly and submit its recommendations to the Secretary General within twelve months.

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